At Paris Family Dental, we are current on the Texas State Dental Board of Examiners and State Law certification requirements to treat mild to moderate obstructive. We will treat severe OSA with an alternative treatment to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment. CPAP is a treatment that utilizes mild pressure to keep the airway open. We assist patients who do not tolerate CPAP with medical grade MRDs (mandibular repositioning devices) in conjunction with pulse oximetry monitoring. Paris, TX sleep dentistry is available atDr. Del Toro’s dental practice.

What is OSA?

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses leaving the airway blocked. The air is then prevented from reaching the lungs and this often causes the victim to snore and eventually stop breathing for extended periods of time. These “apneic episodes” can occur continuously throughout the night and usually last for 15-30 seconds. You may become tired during the day due to lack of proper sleep. The blockage of air causes the body to wake up causing you to drift in and out of sleep several times a night. Waking up this much creates a sleep cycle that is completely unstable and will leave you feeling exhausted and is very detrimental to your health. The OSA condition can be life threatening as it can lead to heart issues, strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and overall hypertension. Many people suffer from this sleep apnea condition.

Common Symptoms of OSA

In many cases, OSA is found in overweight, middle-aged people particularly men. The risks of OSA increase with weight gain due to fat contributing to a blockage in the throat compromising the airway.

Some symptoms of OSA include:

Waking up choking or gasping

Loud snoring or stopped breathing

Exhaustion during the day

If you have any of these symptoms, then you may want to visit your physician for a diagnosis. They will normally conduct an overnight sleep study to monitor brain waves, heart beat, and breathing during sleep. They will also check arm and leg activity throughout the night. They will also want to know your weight history, when the problem began, and if anyone has witnessed your snoring and breathing at night.

How Do I Start Seeking Treatment?

The best way to start seeking treatment for your sleep apnea is to undergo a consultation with your physician. They will then work with Dr. Del Toro to come up a best treatment plan that is customized to your particular needs. Our team will evaluate and monitor your situation to see if our medical grade MRDs (mandibular repositioning devices) in conjunction with pulse oximetry monitoring can improve your sleep cycle and health conditions. OSA should be addressed and treated carefully, so if you have the symptoms and are experiencing sleep apnea, please review your options with your healthcare provider.

We will work with each patient individually to discuss the details of your treatment and any possible alternatives. Our top priority is to provide you with the highest standard of care.

For all of your family, cosmetic or restorative dental needs, we invite you to contact Paris Family Dental. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (903) 732-0061! Visit us at 2333 Lamar Ave, Paris, TX 75460 to learn more about our team, our practice, and how we provide excellence in dentistry in our area.

Paris Family Dental offers the highest level of exeperience and quality when it comes to dental care. Trust us to provide safe, effective, and long-lasting dentistry for your entire family. Call us today to schedule your appointment at (903) 732-0061!